The Legend of Zelda has just been dragged into a modern age, by the 21st century’s most influential video game machine. It is groundbreaking in every sense of the word, and successfully bridges that gap between the hardcore and the casual. A feat that is in no way easy. There are flaws, but they cannot overshadow what is the definitive must own DS game.

If you own a DS there's really no reason you shouldn't pick up The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass. It's easily one of the top five games on the system and should please both newcomers and veterans to the series.

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass might as well be called The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker DS. The game features the same fabulous cel-shaded game engine of the GameCube game and picks up a short time after its conclusion. Phantom Hourglass follows our hero on another adventure on the high seas, and features new friends and a whole new gameplay style thanks to the touch screen and stylus. Needless to say, Phantom Hourglass is a very deep game, and I am absolutely loving every minute. The Wind Waker engine ported nicely to the DS and the controls make it an absolute joy to play. Phantom Hourglass is a game for everyone, especially the Zelda fans.

It’s not often that a game comes about to justify the purchase, or even the existence of a particular console, but with The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, Nintendo has delivered a game that every DS owner should experience. In this case, touching isn’t just good, it’s downright fantastic.

Nearly pitch-perfect, Phantom Hourglass is a beautiful game to play. It's accessible for newcomers but familiar for series pros. The major issues of its direct predecessor, Wind Waker, are dealt with, and the stylus control scheme more than works. For the most part, it shines. But what makes Phantom Hourglass a five-star game is, simply, fun.

If I was a Jedi, I would wave my hand at you and tell you to go out and buy The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass. It is amazing, and will probably be my favorite game for the DS to ever come out. So, consumers, go out and buy every adult and child you know The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, and while you're at it... buy a copy for yourself.

All-in-all it feels like Phantom Hourglass was engineered to draw in new audiences, in addition to those players whose devotion remains unwavering. Nintendo did a great job transitioning the charm of Wind Waker to a handheld system, which will go a long way with fans. Clocking at about 15-to-20 hours, depending on how much time you spend on treasure-hunting side-quests, the game offers a lengthy adventure that should keep players engaged from start to finish with little lag in-between. For many gamers, this is the Zelda title they've been waiting for on the DS. Even amidst high expectations, Phantom Hourglass passes with flying colors.

Another Zelda game, another enjoyable quest. It's the same basic idea time after time, but thankfully, it never gets old. With a host of new ways to perform the same enjoyable tasks, an engrossing new story (which is quite reminiscent of Link's Awakening at times), and a fantastic art style that works well on the DS, Phantom Hourglass is yet another adventure with Link that you won't mind taking.

I can’t overstate how impressed I was with Phantom Hourglass. It’s one of the first adventure games in a long time that have really made me want to get every single item and travel everywhere I possibly could. While Twilight Princess was an undeniably fantastic game, Phantom Hourglass does more in terms of bringing the series forward. I can only hope it will be met with huge sales and many DS sequels.

I wanna make it clear for those who haven't played a Zelda game before - the emphasis is on puzzles and adventuring, not swordplay. Its massive playtime isn't due to having to level up or grind, it's 100% quality from cover to cover. 9.5 rubber chickens.

Some people might complain that in the end, the game is just another Zelda title, and -- in a sense -- they'd be right. From beginning to end, Zelda: Phantom Hourglass has plenty of "Wait, I think I've done this before..." situations; but guess what? It is also bursting with "Wow, that's really awesome!" moments; and fortunately, those are the ones that usually stick to our minds and turn into great gaming memories.

It's amazing how much control Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass provides using only the stylus. This inventive level of control is but one of the reasons Link's DS debut is one of this year's best titles on any portable.

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is one of the best games available for the Nintendo DS. Phantom Hourglass ambitious approach keeps aspects of the traditional Zelda franchise and breaks out on its own with its innovative touch controls and use of the DS’s dual screens. Ever evolving, Nintendo showcases its versatility giving gamers another exhilarating experience in the Zelda universe. Phantom Hourglass is the perfect adventure, accessible to all ages from the novice adventure to the hardcore Zelda fan. Link has done it again, and proven that these Nintendo can still pull out the stops when needed. If you own a DS, Phantom Hourglass should be first on your priority list. Nintendo has done it again, pure brilliance.

Overall, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is an excellent Legend of Zelda game, and it really is a step-up from the uninspired Twilight Princess, which just felt like fan-service to Ocarina of Time fanboys. It falls short of the other handheld Legend of Zeldas, but with a little work, it could have been one of the best Nintendo games ever made. Phantom Hourglass should do for touch-screen adventure games what Super Mario 64 did for the 3D platformer.

After all is said and done, I love Phantom Hourglass. It's not just the best DS game I've ever played, but it's also one of the best games I've ever played, period. It's engaging, it looks excellent, it is not too short by any means (There is no way you'll finish this game in 11 hours or less. I'm giving a dirty look to Halo 3 here.), it has plenty of different options to keep you going and its writing is top-notch. That there is also multiplayer included for use with the Nintendo Wi-Fi functionality is just icing on the cake. Simply put, if you don't have a DS, then you must go out and buy one just to play Phantom hourglass! It's as must-have as you can get.

It may not live up to the lofty standards recently displayed in Twilight Princess, but this adventure is worthy of Zelda canon, and still has enough great stuff going for it to be considered one of the year’s best adventures.

From the opening scene to the end credits, The Phantom Hourglass feels like a classic Zelda title: it's filled with an ungodly amount of content and has a deep and complex story that will stay with you long after you've reached the end. It is a worthy addition to the Zelda canon and only strengthens the DS' already impressive game library.

While the dungeons and bosses in the game require some thinking and strategy, they are not as brain crunching as the ones in the consoles. In that sense, it feels as if the creators of the game wanted to make the game more accessible to DS gamers who haven't necessarily played a Zelda before (if such a group exists). While the touch controls may bother many gamers, at the end of the day the way Phantom plays is what gives it its own charm and makes it stand out from the Zelda game lineup. Phantom Hourglass is still a solid title that fans have expected for a long time, and it does a great job to not only please the fans, but welcome newcomers who want to immerse themselves in this great adventure.

The game nails some of the things skeptical DS owners thought they'd never see. It's in full 3D, it utilizes every one of the DS's features and through its sheer quality, it smashes the stereotype that touch screen controls aren't all that great. Phantom Hourglass steps up and does almost everything right. I think that even though it probably won't win, Phantom Hourglass needs to at least make it to the final rounds of the Game of the Year competition

Another satisfying title, The Phantom Hourglass is sure to please anyone who enjoys a Zelda adventure. The difficulty does seem to fall in the area of ‘not terribly difficult’, but it’s still fun to play, and the access to a touch screen and map add a new functionality to puzzles that hasn’t been seen before. The stylus control, despite being different and weird at first, feel natural very quickly and make the game better to play and control with, and in general contribute to the gameplay. It’s clear that the Phantom Hourglass is quite worthy of the Zelda brand, and a near must-have for DS owners.

There are a few moments where you'll know exactly what needs to be done before you've done it, and experienced players will rarely stumble along the way - Phantom Hourglass never strays too far from the Zelda gameplay canon, after all. But the integration of touch screen elements, some occasional microphone use and loads of entertaining exploration, action and storytelling make this one of the best all-rounder games on the DS. Sterling stuff.

Building upon the DS’s strengths to give gamers a new way to play a classic franchise, Phantom Hourglass differs from every other action/adventure. It’s a spectacular blend of touch-screen combat, brilliant puzzles, and Wind Waker beauty. A can’t-miss adventure – one of Nintendo’s finest, and one of the year’s best.

This game is pure Zelda, far and away, and with the only setbacks being the game's semi-easy difficulty along with a few brief annoyances with temple specifics, it shouldn't surprise anybody when saying this: The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is the killer app title DS owners have been longing for and is definitely one of the most unique and pleasurable experiences to be had on the handheld, or any console for any gamer--hardcore or casual.

Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass was a fun game. On top of that, it was creative and used the DS in ways that really showed off the potential of the system. While it may not be the best game you'll play this year, it certainly will make you appreciate the creativity that went into its design and the solid product that was the result. I wholeheartedly advise you to play this game, if for no other reason than see that a game can be fun while still managing to use a system hardware in creative ways.

The release of Zelda marks the coming of age for any platform (something which made the launch Zelda for the Wii something doubly special). It feels like the DS is now a proper bona fide member of the Nintendo family; now it has its very own Zelda. Not only does it raise the stature of the handheld console in the eyes of many gamers, but it also brings Link and his related protagonists back to a much wider audience. It brings together Nintendo's two great successes of recent decades: compelling hardcore gaming and casual play on the go.

But honestly, I’m splitting hairs here. The Legend of Zelda: The Phantom Hourglass is a great-looking game, it uses the DS better than any other title I’ve ever seen, and most importantly, it’s fun to play. And now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to listen to my favorite song again. Da-da da-da da-daaaahh!

The pacing throughout Phantom Hour Glass is unparalleled on the system and could easily take on other games on even more powerful consoles. It is a little on the easy side for seasoned Zelda players, but it’s still an incredible amount of fun. In the visual department there simply aren’t any better than this. From an aural perspective, Phantom Hour Glass comes out more than on top – even without headphones the stereo sound is unbelievable in clarity with a score to die-for as well as all the right bleeps and bops you’ve come to expect from the Zelda series. The only real issues here are longevity, and the occasional visual obstacle in the way of your hand obstructing your field of view, but sit down with the game long enough and you’ll get used to it. At this stage I’ll go as far as saying there simply isn’t a better experience to be had on the DS, and it would be awesome if the Wind Waker-sparked Zelda series remained at home – from here on out – on the DS.

Often when a franchise makes a DS game they strip it down to its bare form, to a simple game with one or two characteristic things that set it apart. Zelda is more. They saw this as an opportunity to use the strengths of the DS to be creative, and succeeded. 9/10 rubber chickens.

Definitive controls for classic Zelda gameplay. Excellent visuals and atmopshere, with steller presentation. Soundtrack is a bit lackluster, but still not that bad. Fresh change of pace and look, with a more character-driven story that feels a bit shallow like the older Zelda titles. Minor issues arise from stylus gameplay, and there is a short learning curve to get used to an predominantly stylus-controlled experience. Not very challenging, but a very rewarding experience. A solid 10-15 hour title for veterans, and around 20 or more hours for average gamers.

Nintendo have put a lot of love into their first truly portable 3D Zelda game and it shows in spades as everything from the intuitive controls, fluid gameplay, eccentric characters and inventive level design across many varied locales demonstrate admirable aplomb in their execution. The only partially negative elements are a tacked on multiplayer which while fun in small doses isn't required and some veteran Zelda fans may feel slightly unchallenged by the difficulty level but apart from that it is everything that anyone could have hoped for in a portable Zelda title thats completely three-dimensional in every sense.

Phantom Hourglass is truly a game of console quality; but just happens to have been built from the ground up for the DS. While longtime fans may dismiss it as too easy or casual, it can stand tall with the Zelda greats as one of the best games of all time. The great touch-screen controls, excellent visual design and wildly imaginative boss bouts make it an obligatory purchase for DS owners, and one of the best games of the year.

With top notch graphics, great sound and solid implementation of the specific features found on the DS; The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is a great addition to anyone who owns a DS. Nintendo has once again done this series justice and it should make any level of gamer, from casual players to veterans of the series, satisfied that they purchased this title.

Phantom Hourglass, with all its differences to the tried-and-true Zelda formula, could be considered as a cousin to main lineage; at times, only the memorable characters, the beautiful music (a tinge tinny here, though), and the same old thinly-veiled story reminded me that I was playing the latest iteration of Nintendo’s masterpiece. But, even if it didn’t have the whole Zelda charm, it would still be an engrossing adventure in its own right. Phantom Hourglass is an invigorating blend of old and new, classic puzzle-based adventuring spliced with a user-friendly, touch-screen interface, and finally, a sparkling re-invention to a formula that has been mostly untouched ever since Shigeru Miyamoto’s original recipe came to light twenty long years ago.

For those that found Twilight Princess to be a joy to behold, but grew weary as the adventure went on, Phantom Hourglass will be a blessing thanks to the fact it retains all that Zelda fans hold close to their hearts. Yet, at the same time, it streamlines the gameplay and adapts everything perfectly to the touch-screen control system that Nintendo has made it both wonderfully accessible for newcomers and a fresh new challenge for veteran Zelda players. A must-have game for all DS owners...

The Legend of Zelda series has always been known for its grand adventures, both on consoles and handhelds, and Phantom Hourglass does nothing to taint that record. Thankfully, where other Nintendo franchises - such as Yoshi's Island and Super Mario Bros. - took the safer, less ambitious routes in their Nintendo DS debuts, Link wasn't so lucky and instead received the touch-screen-infused, console-sized game that those other franchises still so dearly deserve. Unless you fear change or dislike the action adventure RPG then you should rush out and snap this up, as it's arguably the DS' greatest title so far.

I can't see how you won't be wholly satisfied by PH, whether you're a hardened Zelda fan or a newcomer to the series, or even games in general. Yes it's a tad short, and yes it's full of recognisable Zelda moments, but that doesn't stop it from being a fun, refined gem of an adventure game. Phantom Hourglass jumps straight to the top of my favourite DS games list.

Perfect for the newcomer and hardcore Zelda fan. The controls make it a good pick up and play game and also for long sessions. A must have for your DS collection. Don’t have a DS, well go out and get one.

If you haven't ever played a Zelda title before (you have missed a lot but I know many gamers who haven't) this is a pretty good example of what the series has to offer. The scope of the title isn't as epic as many of its console brethren but it offers a good amount of solid gameplay, quirky humor and collections tasks. As with many Zelda titles, the game isn't to replayable and sadly Phantom Hourglass is a fairly short adventure. That being said, it is a fantastic example of classic 2D Zelda gameplay placed in a 3D world. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass shattered my original misgivings and returned me to the legions of Zelda fans once again. Now if Nintendo would just release details about the next one.

The Legend of Zelda Phantom Hourglass is a perfect example of the kind of gaming Nintendo wants to bring with the DS. It takes a deep game design and makes it both fresh and accessible to the casual player without destroying its appeal to more dedicated players.

Many were wary of the direction Nintendo seemed to be taking with The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass. With claims the game would be 'easy for new gamers to play', many fans were worried the series would be 'dumbed down' for players graduating from Nintendo's casual supersmash hits like Nintendogs. But they needn't have worried. While Phantom Hourglass does offer a streamlined version of the Zelda formula, many of its cuts are welcome renovations of built-up conventions. The new interface is both approachable and revolutionary at the same time, the holy grail of game design. And underneath it is the most tightly designed Zelda since Link's Awakening. Phantom Hourglass is another must-buy in the hallowed series, and we can only hope this re-invigorated Nintendo can continue to walk the line between the new and old with such grace in future iterations.

The Legend of Zelda series might just be gaming's best example of the old phrase, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." The latest entry to the series, The Phantom Hourglass, doesn't stray from the formula of a green-clad hero delving into dungeons to find special tools and solve puzzles to save his princess, but it does spice up the classic through use of the DS's special features. Control over the game falls solely to the touch screen, which means puzzles and battle take new, innovative forms. The game also makes good use of the DS's two screens, especially during boss fights. The Phantom Hourglass is a fine addition to the Zelda series.

Phantom Hourglass is an excellent showpiece for the Nintendo DS and is sure to be recognized as one of the platform's definitive titles. The game is well-suited for casual gamers, but is definitely reminiscent of the classic Zeldas of old. The fantastic setting, pioneering gameplay mechanics and elevated fun factor contribute to an exceedingly satisfying experience. While the game isn't as challenging as previous Zeldas, seasoned veterans won't be able to run through the dungeons too easily and will certainly want to exercise caution. Phantom Hourglass is an excellent title for introducing casual players to the Zelda universe, but its unique and imaginative gameplay will also attract hardcore fans, making this the quintessential DS game that will appeal to any gamer under the sun.

Touch pad quirks aside, this has all the hallmarks of the long-lived series. From the enemies to the puzzles to to the sounds, this is the genuine article. The game is a lot of fun, and deserves to bear the name of The Legend of Zelda. Now grab your DS and your stylus, for adventure awaits! Highly Recommended.

Phantom Hourglass won't disappoint fans. It has all of the core elements that has made the Zelda series so popular, while also breathing new life into it by introducing intuitive touch screen controls. About the only thing some may have a problem with in this game is that it's a tad bit easy. Other than that, though, it's one heck of a game.

Many who played Wind Waker will regard sailing around the overworld with trepidation, but that's mostly misplaced. It's much smaller and the winds don't matter - you plot your paddle steamer's course on your chart - leaving you with more freedom to explore and less distance to cover. The rest of the game is so very densely packed that you're grateful of a chance just to watch the world go by (or batter it with cannon fire), and the ability to customise your ship with parts salvaged from the sea bed is a compelling, if totally pointless, distraction. You'll end up taking circuitous sea voyages just for the sake of it, just to spin your time in this lovely miniature world out a little longer.

It comes down to this: Great games are made up of a series of truly captivating moments. A Link to the Past had the unveiling of the master sword, Ocarina of Time hooked gamers with the simplicity and entertainment of riding the Hyrule countryside with Epona for the very first time, and Twilight Princess astonished loyal Zelda fans as they witnessed their hero change forms in the midst of the twilight. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass has those moments too, and while it may be more casual than we'd like, it's captivating, entertaining, and a true adventure worthy of the Zelda name. It's different, but it's still the real deal.

Ultimately, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is a superb effort and pretty much what you would want from a first entry in the series on the DS. It's got a few pacing problems, and those who demand traditional control schemes will probably be turned off by this game's control methodology. But really, even if you're convinced you hate the notion of touch-screen controls, you owe it to yourself to give this game a try. Phantom Hourglass implements its control mechanics so seamlessly into the standard Zelda game design that it's hard to imagine anyone not appreciating it on some level. There are few games on the DS that take advantage of the touch-screen technology as well as Phantom Hourglass does. It's a must-play for any DS owner.

There is no denying that this is a great, if easy game, but when you’re talking about the upper echelons of the gaming pantheon, everything is held in another light. As portable entertainment, it’s fantastic, proving an action adventure can be done with the stylus with no qualms. The quickie dungeons and throttled exploration are outright disappointing, but when held up against the rest of the DS library, it’s an impressive game. But it’s just a good Zelda.

I would recommend Phantom Hourglass to most DS owners. Fans of the series will want to check it out, though I have to send up a red flag about the lack of difficulty. First-time Zelda players or casual gamers will find it to be the most accessible one to date, and I can't really complain about that. I enjoyed every moment of the Legend until it ended.

But enough on the bad – there is a lot of good to be had here too. First of all, Phantom Hourglass returns to the graphical style of Wind Waker. Sure, that game polarized fans of the series because of the style, but it ended up being appreciated more and more as time went on. Well, seeing the style appear on the DS is interesting, to say the least. While Wind Waker was a GameCube game, the DS does a solid job of emulating the style with lesser hardware. The game runs smoothly, is just as colorful, and the characters have just as much, well, character as they did in Wind Waker.

It is nice to finally have a “Zelda” game on my DS. The game isn’t the best thing ever; however, it is very enjoyable in its own right. This is a must buy for any fan of adventure games, Zelda, or the DS in general.

Phantom Hourglass not only capitalizes on the potential of a Zelda game, it taps into the oft neglected talents of the DS, from great graphics, to touch controls, to the casual appeal of the handheld. The game is satisfying to both longtime Zelda fans and casual gamers alike.

There no question, this is the best game to come out for the Nintendo DS this year. It’s the best game the series has seen in a long time. It does everything right, and its only negative is that it still relies a bit on old concepts established in 1987. Otherwise, the use of the stylus provides a refreshing experience that surpasses every expectations you might have had toward this game.

It's amazing how your destination gradually looms into view as you approach. The islands are small enough that you can easily explore every inch, but the caves all start looking the same after a while, and the enemies repeat a lot. Some dungeons incorporate some Metal Gear-style stealth action (complete with vision cones) - for better or worse. Phantom's dialogue manages to be genuinely funny, and despite the small screen, characters like Captain Linebeck convey some hilarious expressions and mannerisms. One side effect of using the stylus is your hand tends to cramp up after a while, so I could only enjoy Phantom Hourglass in small doses (you can save at any time). Even so, this is an engaging little adventure that fits the DS like a glove.

So overall, while Phantom Hourglass isn’t quite the best Zelda has to offer, it’s the closest thing to a refreshing approach to the handheld branch of the series that we’ve seen in recent years. While it’s true it was definitely developed with more casual gamers in mind—as evidenced by the simplified control scheme, linear dungeons, shallower overworld, and shorter overall adventure—Nintendo fans still shouldn’t miss this one. And if you happen to be new to gaming and you’re interested in giving the Zelda series a shot, there’s really never been a better time to dive in.

It's hard to criticise Phantom Hourglass for its brevity - unlike recent overblown epics like The Wind Waker and Twilight Princess, it's a game that doesn't overstay its welcome. But the fact remains that the quest here is actually one of the weakest of the series, even though the focus on the wonderfully implemented touch-screen controls means that it's almost always a pleasure to play. It's easily a standout title on the DS, then, but I can't help but think that, with a little bit of extra work and polish here and there, it could have been something truly spectacular.

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is a polished, well-rounded game. It ain't for the hardcore gamer, but I don't think Zelda lovers will find any fault with it. The story is nice, the setting familiar, characters are pretty unidimensional but it doesn't seem to matter. Pick up the game and soon you'll be chasing down clues on the islands, exploring the Temple of the Ocean King and trying to keep pirates at a distance with your handy cannon. You'll be sucked in before you know it and then the urge to finish the game will take over.

Compared to some of the other games in this series, Phantom Hourglass is on the short side. At about 15 hours it is a quick but enjoyable adventure. Like the other Zeldas it has good replay value and since it is a portable it has been expanded even more. There is multiplayer as well but it isn’t a high point and is lackluster compared to The Four Swords games that came before it. The Legend of Zelda: The Phantom Hourglass maintains all that works with the franchise and adds an innovative and intuitive control scheme to a formula that is yet to get old.

Overall, Phantom Hourglass absorbed me and ate my time more so than the Wii Zelda has done. Maybe it’s because it can sit in my bag calling to me, tempting me to do just one more thing. More likely, it’s because Phantom Hourglass is uncluttered, pure and wonderful Zelda gaming at its best.

With all of this said, Zelda fans won’t be too disappointed as the core mechanics are here in the dungeon crawling and countless clever things like blowing out torches via the microphone will always add an element of fun and delight to new players. But this game could and should have been much more. One feels that Nintendo took the guise of an over enthusiastic interior designer and slapped all manner of budget, flair and ideas on the lounge whilst forgetting about the important needs of the whole house.

That’s essentially what Phantom Hourglass feels like: a “light” Zelda adventure. Don’t be fooled. As innovative as the touch screen controls are and as spectacular as the Wind Waker-esque cel-shaded visuals look on the DS, this ranks amongst the easiest Zeldas. And for that, my dumb self is grateful – grateful that the puzzles aren’t as gruelling, and grateful that I never had to consult a guide or ask for help, not even once. Phantom Hourglass, though slightly marred by a couple of flaws, does an exceptional job at being both incredibly fun and accessible, while still retaining that unmistakable Zelda feeling you get whenever you reach the end of a dungeon.

With the likes of Pokemon and New Super Mario Bros relying on d-pad and button controls, some could argue that Nintendo are seemingly afraid to introduces too many of the DS’ abilities into its long running franchises. Nevertheless, it is great to see one of Nintendo’s big names finally embrace all of the features of the DS. All in all, while Phantom Hourglass may not be the best effort the series has spawned it is still a quality effort. Sure, it has its problems, but there is enough to love in the things it does right to make it a worthwhile addition to you DS collection, albeit not the top of the pile like some expected it to be.

Apart from the repetitive aspect of the Temple of the Ocean King, Phantom hourglass is an excellent game. The gorgeous graphics and sound draw you in, and it uses the touch screen to create a fresh feel to one of the oldest game franchises around. It may not have the epic feel of its big console cousins, but the DS manages to create a Zelda experience that is truly unique.

All things considered, Phantom Hourglass is still an enjoyable game. Eiji Aonuma and his team clearly worked hard to reinvent Zelda for a new era; only to some extent, the Phantom Hourglass team threw the baby out with the bathwater. Hopefully Nintendo can retain Phantom Hourglass's victories while reclaiming the series' historic strengths as it sails into its next big Zelda game.

Unfortunately, whilst incredibly good, the game isn’t perfect. Despite what I said about the Temple of the Ocean King being a wonderful example of level design, the repetitiveness of going back to the same place over and over is sometimes frustrating. The controls generally work incredibly well, but the rolling is very awkward to do, and is never really used anyway - so a touch pointless - and there were a few times when I found my hand covering the screen so I couldn’t see where I was going. These negatives are all relatively minor and certianly not a reason to pass on one of the DS’s finest games.

I would say that the unique control scheme on it’s own is worth getting this game to try, but there is a wonderfully charming game underneath it all. Yes, it’s another Zelda game, but it’s been created with such care and attention that I find myself recommending it to everyone I meet. Play It!

But the real reason to get Phantom Hourglass is for its charming, DS-centric high-seas adventure. This is a top-notch Zelda game that just further reinforces why this is one of Nintendo's best-loved franchises.

This is the sequel to the Gamecube’s Wind Waker, and it sports the same bright, simple, cartoony character graphics. Well, maybe “simple” is the wrong word. Link and company are amazingly expressive here, even on the small DS screen. Every little movement and facial expression – the animation is up to a heck of a high standard – jumps right out at you. The style also lets the game have more of a sense of humor than we’ve historically seen from the Zelda series. Link picks up a goofy sidekick early on – a cowardly pirate named Linebeck, whose steam-powered ship trucks him from island to island – and he gets to be the vehicle for a bunch of great gags, both dialogue quips and some classic sight gags. At one point he’s shaking poor Link by the collar, after which our hero has to do his traditional I-got-a-new-item pose. After all that shaking and spinning around, he winds up posing in a dizzy stupor, with his big eyes transformed into big googly spirals.

Is it up to scratch though? After the Twilight Princess, it was evident that Nintendo had reached the pinnacle of that formula, and Phantom Hourglass is just the thing for people bored of, or new to, the Zelda series. There is a light-heartedness, and a simplicity that suits handheld gaming. The controls are as intuitive as they could be and all game play is basically 2D which makes the dungeons a little simpler and harder to get lost in. Someone craving an epic 40 hour Zelda of the past might be disappointed with Phantom Hourglass, but I found it highly entertaining and very compelling, a breath of fresh air among action-adventure games that doesn’t take itself super-seriously, but is still polished to a dazzling shine and paced superbly.

But the honest truth is that Ocarina of Time did such a fantastic job on N64 -- like Super Mario 64 did with the old 2D Mario games -- in bringing Link to life in 3D that even the best follow-ups couldn't make that same impact; they could only apply various twists and turns in an effort to stand out. The Eiji Aonuma period (he's the current series producer), as celebrated as it is, seems content to repeat the lessons learned from Shigeru Miyamoto. And despite the addition of mandatory touch screen controls, the same can be said of Phantom Hourglass: it's more of the same, relatively good thing.

Overall, this a very solid title and anyone looking for an “A-List” game for the DS will not be disappointed by this title. Some diehard Zelda fans might find it too short or too easy, but regardless of the difficulty level, this is a game that truly belongs amongst the other high quality games in theZelda franchise.

Overall, this a good addition to the extensive Zelda canon, though not perfect along the lines of Ocarina of Time or the like. The overuse of the stylus in the battle system is a limitation and can get annoying if you are not a fan of using it, but the interaction features make up for it. On the positive side, there is a multi-player game which has capture-the-flag elements to it, and is great fun to play in addition to the regular game. No doubt there will be modifications made to the game in order to localize it for North American release, but from the looks of the Japanese version it looks like the DS has a great addition to one of Nintendo's oldest running series. It's worth taking a look; more so if you're already a fan of The Legend of Zelda series.

The lack of even an option for D-pad control tells me that Nintendo did not have their Zelda fan base in mind when they were creating Phantom Hourglass. And that’s okay, I guess. It’s still a decent game, but it’s also a game apart from the rest of the series. It just feels different, and I think it demonstrates that Nintendo is reluctant to sail into the murky waters beyond Wind Waker. The end of that game left a lot of possibilities open, but the path taken by Phantom Hourglass is, in all honesty, lame. Try not to think of Phantom Hourglass as a direct sequel to Wind Waker, and perhaps instead as a sort of pseudo-sequel, like Majora’s Mask was to Ocarina of Time. Then you might enjoy it more. Me? I am just sad to see so many great characters and gameplay mechanics left at the docks while Nintendo sailed into more casual waters.

Phantom Hourglass is an ambitious first Zelda for the DS, but it lands far behind previous handheld titles in the series. Hopefully the inevitable sequel will nix the irritating parts like sailing and over-use of the touch-screen and focus on the good elements, like the map notations and creative item applications. This is the best only Zelda on the DS, and it’s one of the better games on the system when sailing with the rest of the library. However, when it’s compared to the rest of the series it sits toward the bottom of the sea.

Phantom Hourglass, by any other name, would probably be a fantastic game. As a member of the Legend of Zelda family, however, and as a direct sequel to the most awesome Wind Waker, it’s…. not so hot. It just does some things that are unforgivable for a franchise that has been around this long. Like forcing players through the phantom dungeon multiple times. That’s not fun, period. And while the stylus control–which is what really defines this experience–is unique and interesting, it brings with it a lot of problems and forgoes some of the things that have made the Zelda games work so well before. This isn’t Twilight Princess where, by the end, I liked the motion controls. Here, I’m just ready to hit the D-pad and buttons again.

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is simple and not very lengthy, clocking in at around 10 to 15 hours. Though this is one of the most original Zelda titles in terms of gameplay, it would be more accurately titled as The Half-Full Hourglass. The game borders on the edge of greatness, but is constantly knocked back because it lacks the polish it truly deserves. If the developers would take this foundation and build upon it with a deep story, a variety of visuals, some quality audio, and longer gameplay, they would likely have a masterpiece on their hands. As for now, Phantom Hourglass is a solid first try, but it just needs more sand.

I've never been this harsh on a Zelda game before, and I feel almost remiss to do so here. Is it really only a mediocre game, or is it just mediocre in comparison to the astounding standards the franchise has set in the past? It's hard for me to answer definitively, but in the final analysis I can only discuss the disappointment I felt as I went through The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass. I think what's here is a phenomenal foundation for what can come in future handheld Zelda games, but it never quite comes into its own character fully and never reaches for the stars. Perhaps for the next DS incarnation, Team Aonuma will feel a bit more confident in its design and will begin to toss in some substantial challenge with its innovation. And that's certainly an exciting proposition indeed.